LAKESIDE are hopeful of having a new rider in their line-up for the first leg of the Elite League Grand Final against Poole at Purfleet on Monday.

The two best sides over the course of the season eased through their semi-finals against Swindon and Ipswich respectively, but the Hammers' injury problems were compounded by the loss of high-scoring No.8 Kauko Nieminen with a broken collarbone.

They have now removed Lubos Tomicek - a somewhat surprising absentee from their recent meetings - from their team declaration, and plan to bring in another foreign rider who would also be available for the Craven Shield Final against the Bees.

Co-promoter Jon Cook said: "The last thing we needed this week was to make further changes to the team buts that's the way the season has gone. I am hoping everything will fall into place but we do have a back-up plan if a signing has to be delayed until the second leg and the Craven Shield Final."

It is understood that the Hammers have received BSPA approval for their new signing but are currently awaiting clearance from the rider's federation.